International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences

The study examined the strategies for improving the livelihood of rural dwellers through extension delivery services in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo state. Sixty respondents were randomly selected from a list of rural dwellers made available by the Agricultural Development Officers in the study area. The instrument of data collection was questionnaire and personal observation, descriptive statistics was used in data analysis. The field result showed that the mean age of the respondents were 41 years. They were mostly women and 65% of them are married most of the respondents were generally literate; the mean household size was about 6 the major occupation of the respondents is farming. 42% of the literate respondents earn above ten thousand (N10, 000) monthly and have many years of farming experience. Out of the seven (7) extensions packages/ programs listed six (6) were agreed to have been disseminated improved seeds and livestock management practices were found to be programmes that have made greater impact on their livelihood. Also all participated in extension programme and package that tend to improve the livelihood of the rural farmers were not direct extension services. Lack of credit facilities, unavailability of marketing; high transportation costs, high costs of inputs as poor storage facilities were found to be serious problems that hinder participation in extension services. Age, gender, marital status, educational level and farming experiences were significantly and positively related to the level of adoption of extension packages and programmes. It was recommended that farm inputs should be supplied to the rural farmers at a subsidized rate and programmes on food storage and processing should be made accessible to the rural people in the study area.

Keywords: Extension services, Food shortage, Livelihood, Rural dwellers

Understanding ecological needs of range species is very important for conservation and utilization of rangeland ecosystems. The current research was conducted to find out ecological characteristics of Salsola arbusculiformis in Garmeh (north east of Iran). In this site, different parameters such as climate characters, vegetation studies, forage quality, physical and chemical analysis of the soil were determined. The results showed that Salsola arbusculiformis could be adapted in regions with arid cold climate, annual rainfall average of 229 mm and annual average temperature of 12.93°C. Salsola arbusculiformis have dispersed in northern and flat slope and altitude 1280- 1600 m of sea level in sandy area. Soil studies of the mentioned species showed that it mainly grows in soils with loam to loamy sand textures, EC of 0.199 -0.214 ds/m and pH of 8.14. According to the results of the vegetation studies, average of the current yield was 1145.36 kg/ha and 16909 species per hectare was estimated as average of the density of Salsola arbusculiformis. Forage quality analysis at three phonological stages showed that the amount of CP was reduced while DMD and ME were increased.

Keywords: Ecological, Garmeh, Iran, Salsola arbusculiformis

This study aims to determine the correlation between genetic predisposition to dyslipidemia and the risk of type-II diabetes. The lipoprotein state was tested in students of the University whose families have a history of type-II diabetes in comparison to normal subjects. The study was conducted in the laboratory of the Faculty of Science and Health at Koya University. The study included 60 male students (average weight 66.3±3.1 Kg and average age21±1.6 years) and 60 female students (average weight54±2.8 Kg and average age 21±1.2 years). They were divided into control groups of normal males and females and groups of males and females with a family history of type-II diabetes. Fasting blood serum was drawn from each group. The results showed a significant increase of LDL and triglyceride in females and males with a family history of type-II diabetes compared with the control group.HDL showed a significant decrease in normal subjects with a family history of type-II diabetes compared to the control group. HDL may influence β-cell function through its abilities to produce cholesterol efflux, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antiapoptosis. Ectopic accumulation of triglycerides in tissues other than adipose may impair insulin signaling as well as insulin secretion. These results give evidence supporting the probability of a causal relationship between low HDL cholesterol/high triglyceride levels and an increase of LDL levels and the risk of type-II diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes, Genetic, History, Lipoprotein

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the growth and yield responses of maize to poultry manure (PM) and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer in Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria. The treatment included 5 t/ha PM, 10 t/ha PM, 300 kg/ha NPK, 5 t/ha PM + 150 kg/ha NPK, 10 t/ha PM + 150 kg/ha NPK and the control (no fertilizer application). These treatments were laid out as randomized complete block design with three replications. Growth parameters were collected at two weeks intervals from two weeks after treatment application (that is, four weeks after planting [4 WAP]) while yield parameters were collected after the maturity of the maize cobs. The results showed that maize responded to the soil amendments as plots that received fertilizers had better growth and yield performance of maize. The maize growth parameters revealed that the plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area and leaf area index at 4, 6 and 8 WAP were best enhanced with the application of 10 t/ha PM + 150 kg/ha NPK 15-15-15. The number of cobs were highest with 10 t/ha PM and 5 t/ha PM + 150 kg/ha NPK. However, the weight of cob was heaviest with 10 t/ha PM + 150 kg/ha NPK while the 100-grain weight and grain yield/ha was highest with the application of either 5 t/ha or 10 t/ha PM combined with 150 kg/ha NPK. The application of either 5 t/ha or 10 t/ha PM combined with 150 kg/ha NPK was adjudged the best in enhancing growth and yield of maize in Igbariam as these soil amendments increased the plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, leaf area, number of cobs, ear diameter and length, weight of cob 100-grain weight, grain yield of maize.

Keywords: Cob, Fertilizer, Grain yield, Growth, Maize

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the different methods used for preserving Moringa oleifera in the Guinea Savannah Vegetation Zones of Nigeria. Leaves of M. oleifera were randomly collected from three locations in Guinea Savanna Vegetation Zones. viz: Abuja (Nyanyan), Kaduna (Barnawa) and Zamfara (Gausa). The leaves wet leaves were weighed and distributed to five batches for Sun, Room, and Oven drying at varied temperatures of 50oC, 60oC, and 70oC. The physicochemical and nutrient analysis, energizing values of proteins, total sugars, and lipids, were determined. The SPSS software Version 16 was used for the analyses in a one way Analysis of Variances (ANOVA). The difference was considered significant at P<0.05. The result showed Room; 70oC, 60oC and 50oC oven drying methods as the best drying methods for M. oleifera. They retained high amount of nutrients in terms physicochemical properties while Room drying method, also retained the best amount of Sodium, phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Molybdenum, Boron, Fat, Fiber, Ash, Total Sugar, Energy. In addition the 70oC oven drying method retained Protein, Calcium, Potassium, Titanium, and good for Moisture content while 60oC and 50oC dehydrating methods, respectively retained Manganese, Sulphur, and Zinc. Moringa oleifera leaves from the three various locations studied were rich in the following nutrients: Abuja (Nyanya), Fat, Fiber, Boron, and Titanium. Kaduna (GRA Barnawa): Ash, Calcium, Sulphur, Sodium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Molybdenum. Zamfara (Gausa, Kaura Road): Protein, Total Sugar, Energy, Potassium, Manganese, Zinc and Vanadium.

Keywords: Drying methods, Guinea Savannah, Moringa oleifera, Nutrient elements, Physicochemical properties

The pulping and paper making characteristics of Acacia nilotica Var. tomentosa (benth.) A.F. Hill and Trema orientalis (Linn.) Blume (both lesser known tropical hardwood timbers) and Raphia hookeri (tropical wine palm) were investigated. Chips of each species of average dimensions (43mm by 0.15mm) were separately pulped by either sulphate (at 20 percent sulphidity) or soda-anthraquinone cook (AQ used as catalysts at 0.1 percent wt/wt) at either 11, 14 or 17 percent active alkali and material; liquor ratio of 1:4. Unbleached pulp yields averaged 48.3 to 58.1 percent for sulphate and 50.3 to 60.0 percent for soda –AQ cooks. Fiber dimensions were measured with aid of stage and ocular micrometer scales. Means fiber lengths were 1.133; 1.526 and 1.275 mm for A. nilotica; T. orientalis and R. hookeri respectively. Unbleached pulps were screened in a vibrating screen with 0.25mm slots. Average screen rejects for different active alkali cooks ranged from 0.5 to 5.2 percent for sulphate and 0.1 to 4.2 percent for soda-AQ cooks. Unbleached pulp yield, Kappa number and screen rejects decreased as percentage of active alkali in cook of each type of furnish was increased. Pulp bleaching was done in a 4-stage (CEHD) bleaching sequence under same conditions for all pulp types. Brightness level reached ranged from 85 to 90 percent. Standard laboratory sheets were made from bleached and unbleached pulps and properties of paper tested in accordance with provisions of the Technical Association of the pulp and paper industry, U.S.A. (TAPPI), 1980). Physical and strength properties were good. Result indicates that each of the species has potentials for pulp and paper making either alone or in mixture with long fiber pulps.

Keywords: Acacia nilotica, Bleaching, Brightness,Burst factor, Fiber dimensions, Folding endurance, Kappa number, Proximate analysis, Pulp yields, Raphia hookeri, Soda-anthaquinone, Tear factor, Trema orientalis

A study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki in order to study effect of integrated nutrient management on soil chemical properties and maize yield on a sandy clay loam. The field was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising of five treatments viz poultry droppings + burnt rice mill waste (PBRMW), cow dung + unburnt rice mill waste (CURMW), goat dung + saw dust (GDSD), NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer and control (C). The treatments were replicated four times. Data from the study were analyzed using ANOVA and means separated with Fisher’s least significant difference. The result showed highly significant (P<0.05) % OC, pH, Mg and K in PBRMW, CURMW and GDSD amended plots relative to NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer and control, respectively. Exchangeable Ca was significantly (P<0.05) higher (10.0 Cmolkg-1) in PBRMW than control and other manure treatments, respectively. Total N, available P, Na, ECEC and %BS were 38, 43, 44, 19% and 23% higher than the control values. Plant height (cm), leaf area index and grain yield (tha-1) were 66, 26, 38 and 57% higher in PBRMW amendment compared to control and other manure treatments, respectively. Manure management more than NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer and control enhanced soil chemical properties and yield of maize. Soil chemical properties and maize yield were improved as follows PBRMW> CURMW> GDSD>NPK 20:10:10 fertilizer >C. Based on the foregoing, integrated manure management could be recommended for increasing productivity of sandy clay loam in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Keywords: Chemical properties, Effect, Integrated manure, Maize yield, Sandy clay loam

In a study to determine the relationships between body morphometrics and testicular biometrics, 30 healthy West Africa Dwarf bucks belonging to three age groups, 0.5 to 1.0 years (group A), = 1.5 to 2.0 years (group B) and 2.5 to 3.0 years (group C) were evaluated. The animals were tagged and body measurements were recorded before the animals were sacrificed. The external and internal parameters of the testis were measured and recorded accordingly. The mean values for body weight were 6.92±0.06Kg, 8.93±0.69Kg and 11.67±0.33Kg for age groups A, B and C respectively. Animals in age group C recorded the highest mean value for heart girth, body weight, paunch girth and wither height. A predictive model for each of the testicular characteristics was developed using live body measurement. Age was significantly (P<0.05) positively correlated with all body and testicular measurement, but not with testicular density and caput weight. However, scrotal circumference was significantly (P<0.001) correlated with testicular length (r = 0.557), testicular diameter (r = 0.595), testicular weight (r = 0.617) and caudal weight (r = 0.663), while the correlation with testicular density was significant at P<0.01. Body weight was positively correlated (P<0.01) with scrotal circumference (r = 0.455), testicular length (r = 0.694), testicular diameter (r = 0.618), testicular volume (r = 0.668), testicular weight (r = 0725), corpus weight (r = 0.705) and caudal weight (r = 0.687). Based on the findings in this study, it is concluded that bucks can be selected for breeding purposes on the bases of measurements of scrotal circumference, testicular length and testicular diameter.

Keywords: Body morphometric, Breeding value, Testicular biometrics, West Africa dwarf bucks

Two hundred and twenty five Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments (i-v) of 36 hens and 9 cockerels each.
Each treatment was replicated thrice with 12 hens and 3 cockerels per replicate. In each of the five diets, 48hours fermented taro cocoyam meal (Colocasia esculenta var. esculenta) replaced maize at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% respectively. At the end of the experiment, 3 quails from each treatment were collected, yolk and albumen were separated and analysed for nutrient profile. It was observed that FTC diet affected the nutritional value of albumen, yolk and breast muscle negatively by reducing their crude protein (cp) contents. The result showed that, Nitrogen free extract (NFE) of yolk, albumen and breast muscle increased across the treatments. Either extract (E.E) of yolk decreased with increased levels of supplementation of FTC in quails diets whereas, the reverse was with E.E content of albumen and breast muscle. The ash (minerals) content of the albumen and breast muscle increased across treatments while that of the yolk had similar values across treatments indicating that, the treatment did not affect the ash content of the yolk. Crude fibre contents of breast muscle, albumen and yolk were not affected by the treatments.
It is concluded that, fermented taro cocoyam (FTC) that affected the nutritional values of quails’ albumen, yolk and breast muscles. Supplementation should therefore not exceed 50%.

Keywords: FTCM, Maize, Nutrient profile, Quails

Water stress induced by consecutive years of drought constitutes a major constraint for citric culture in Fars province in Iran. The aim of this study was rapid and accurate screening of citrus seedling rootstocks (grown under greenhouse conditions) in terms of drought tolerance and ability to recovery, using chlorophyll fluorescence technique combined with measuring the leaf gas exchange parameters. Eight month-old seedlings of Mexican lime, sour orange, Volkameriana and Rangpur lime plants were submitted to a cycle of drought for 14 days/ rewatering for 3 days and control plants were maintained in an optimal soil water condition during the whole experimental period. At the end of stress and recovery periods, measurements were made using fully developed leaves. According to Fv/Fm ratio index, treated Volkameriana plants had no significant photoinhibitory damage to PS II. Rewatered Mexican lime and Rangpur lime plants had ability to fully recover the significantly reduced fluorescence index, but in sour oranges, full recovery did not happened. Also, our results indicated that the rate of net photosynthesis (A), transpiration (E) and stomatal conductance (gs) significantly reduced under drought stress, only Volkameriana and Mexican lime plants fully recovered from stress. Increased Ci in concomitant with stomata closure means a reduction in CO2 photoassimilation and is a symptom of photoinhibition (in addition to decreased Fv/Fm ratio, maximum quantum yield of PS II). So, it seemed that at the end of drought period, except for Volkameriana, stomatal limitation combined with PS II photodestruction were responsible to significant reductions in net photosynthesis in treated plants. In other words, in stressed Volkameriana plants only stomatal closure caused the reduction in photosynthesis. Also it was demonstrated that in rewatered sour orange and Rangpur lime plants damage imposed to PS II and lack of recovery in stomatal conductance were major obstructions in photosynthesis recovery, respectively. Finally, it was concluded that Volkameriana seedlings were more tolerant and had better recovery ability and Mexican lime plants had profound ability to recover from imposed negative effects of water stress, too.

Keywords: Chlorophyll fluorescence, Citrus rootstocks, Drought stress, Photosynthesis, Recovery